Other People's Money

Rating:
Summary: Another Meaning for the Phrase "Other People's Money"
Review: A cute little romantic comedy, which DeVito surprisingly carries off very well as a male lead. The real surprise, however, is the honesty in the writing -- instead of the usual casting of corporate raider as archvillain, it FINALLY gets pointed out that Peck's character DOESN'T own the company -- he's just managing it for the stockholders (something most viewers don't seem to understand). A nice little clear insight into another facet of capitalism, on top of a cute romance, with a lot of snappy dialog. Well worth adding to your video collection, especially if you're a DeVito fan.

Rating:
Summary: A film that will outlast many others
Review: It's almost 2003 and there's still no DVD. It's about time.
Except, perhaps, for his opening monologue, DeVito doesn't put a foot wrong. However, if the film was missing any of it's essential elements (Jewison, DeVito or Miller) it would have fallen hard. As it is, it's thought provoking fun right through. (But it would be more fun on DVD.)

Rating:
Summary: Clever and deep business morality play
Review: The theme of this movie is: Altruism versus egoism in the business world.

Gregory Peck delivers a great performance as an altruistic company owner. Devito is shrewd and irreverant as the corporate raider. The movie gives each of them plenty of screen time to present his argument, and you are the judge.

The twist to it all is that the lovely daughter (Penelope Ann Miller) of the company owner is a lawyer charged with using any legal means of protecting the company from DeVito. And DeVito is trying to win both her heart AND the company. He's the model of ambition.

The dialogue often sparkles with unexpected surprises: "I hate it when people ask me if they can be frank with me. It makes me wonder about what they are the rest of the time."

And BOTH the final speeches are masterpieces, clearly presenting both sides of the essential moral issue.

As a comedy, it may not completely satisfy. But as a morality play, it satisfies completely. Each time I see it, I understand more.